Review of Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, by Jeroen Bergmans

Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha would no doubt have approved of Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the ancient Sultanahmet district which bears his name. Ottoman style meets modern design at this four-storey, converted 19th-century townhouse where the charming owners offer a warm welcome with their labrador retriever, Godot. Cosy and laid-back, its excellent location is ideal for first-time visitors to Istanbul as it is round the corner from the city's most famous historical monuments, namely the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Haghia Sophia.

The facilities

Beside the reception desk, which is supported by an original Roman Corinthian column, Hotel Ibrahim Pasha's library is packed with guides to Istanbul, novels in many languages and a complete Encyclopaedia Britannica. An open fire makes this a cosy spot during the winter months and in the summer, guests head for the tiny roof terrace which has spectacular views of Blue Mosque and Marmara Sea.

Old sepia photographs of Istanbul line the olive-green walls to the breakfast room where guests graze on a traditional Turkish breakfast of cheeses, olives, bread and honey every morning.

The rooms

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha has a total of 24 rooms - all with parquet floors, crisp linen sheets and marble bathrooms. Standard rooms tend to be on the small side, so it's worth splashing out on a Deluxe with its separate sitting area and sofa-bed which can sleep a third guest at a squeeze.